Wednesday, March 28, 2012

This year AAMBC celebrates African American literature with its fourth year of its annual awards. A company launched in 2008 by an aspiring writer at the age of 20, Tamika Newhouse, set out to expose unknown writers. In less than a decade it grew to be one of the most recognizable and sought out sources of literature to date. Paving the way for writers and other affiliates who have followed AAMBC's lead, this year they added more to their growing number of ways to contribute to African American literature.

On August 26, 2011, Author Nate Nati Holmes was gunned down in Phoenix, Arizona leaving behind a legacy he still had yet to fulfill. Many of his friends and colleagues mourned his death including AAMBC founder, Tamika Newhouse. Tamika had the desire to pay tribute to Nate Holmes, and in March 2012 announced the "Nate Holmes Honorary Award" that will be added to the annual AAMBC Literary Awards.

The author of The Heat of Heat and A Kiss of a Different Color delivers a heart-tugging tale of loss and healing...

In the years since her husband left her, Tracy Pegram has struggled to support her children, working full-time and taking classes to advance her career. Then her son is injured in a hit-and-run accident...and when she learns the irresponsible driver is the son of a millionaire politician, she wants blood.

Illinois Attorney General Keith Norwood's promising political career stalled after a horrific road accident killed his wife and her mother before his eyes. Voters felt he should tend to his traumatized young son, who also witnessed the crash, and he lost his party's nomination for governor. Now, four years later, he is running again and leading in the polls when his troubled son, Josh, runs over a child and flees the scene in a panic. In an attempt to protect the teen, Keith and his lawyer offer a private settlement to the injured boy's mother.

Tracy is livid at the candidate's attempt to buy his son out of trouble, but when Josh Norwood asks to apologize to her son, she sees into the heart of the troubled teen and opens her home and heart to him. Before long she recognizes a tortured soul under the rigid public persona of Keith Norwood as well, but opening her heart to the father the way she has to the son is out of the question...or is it?

In 1879, near the small northern California town of Ridgeway, Lilly Warren is a young black woman who has recently lost her father. There is little time for mourning, though, as the responsibility of running the twenty-six acre farm now belongs to her. To make matters even more complex, her father has deeded the house and the land to her in his will with an interesting condition: that she share the land with a person she's never met, or forfeit ownership.

Ricardo Benigno is a Spanish captain of the Anna Juanita, a shipping vessel bringing spices and oils to the shores of California. Seeking out the farm of his old friend Leonard Warren, he discovers that the older man has passed away. To his surprise, Ricardo has also been willed joint ownership of Warren land, as long as he shares it with Lilly, Warren's only child.

The attraction between them is instant, and they both agree that marriage is the only acceptable way they can share the land. But can two people from such different worlds learn to love each other, or will Lilly's heart be broken if she dares to kiss the captain?

Sarah Calhoun is bound and determined to restore honor to the family name the only way she knows how-make her late father's newspaper, the Burr Chronicle, the most successful in the Wyoming Territory.

Haunted by past scandal, she knows one misstep, one misunderstanding, could bring disgrace back down on her head. Yet that doesn't stop her from running an article about the insulting Jack Donovan. The blasted man is shopping for a wife as he would a horse!

Jack finally has the house in the kind of town he's always dreamed about. Now all that's missing is a wife. At first, he thinks Sarah's scathing article about his quest is a good thing-until he finds himself hounded by hordes of young girls, spinsters and widows. Still, he can't stop thinking about the sassy newspaper editor who started it all.

Sarah is as determined to ignore her impossible attraction to Donovan as she is to uncover his mysterious past. But the harder she digs for his secrets, the deeper he hides them. Until there's only one rock left unturned. His heart.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Theres Dean her first love and then theres Keith Mr. Right Now. Kyla struggles with her desires and her past when she makes a rare trip back home to Fort Worth. After leaving ten years ago Kyla comes to terms with the one who got away; Dean and their short lived romance comes into full swing. That is until it goes terribly wrong and she is left with wondering if she should work it out with Keith instead. A simple kiss led to many secrets being revealed; and it makes Kyla wish she could take it all back. Michael is ready to commit to Brittany and for once he feels he has the right woman by his side. That is until a passionate night turns into an unwanted child. Fighting to keep her heart from being broken; Brittany vows to never be just another notch in a mans belt. Although Michael promises to be there and seals it with a kiss, Brittany still struggles with if she should carry their child. When love isnt enough will each one of them make the right decision? Can they finally trust the one they want the most? After all its better to be slapped by the truth then kissed with a lie. They say kisses dont lie, right?

Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010 she was inducted into Who's who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and still continues to write independent projects. In 2011 her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology as well as Tamika won for the second time Self Published Author of the Year. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. She is also CEO of Obsessive Soul Media. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission.

Tamika presently tours the country speaking about overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. A former radio host, she hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her son and daughter and is currently working on her fifth novel He's My Favorite Mistake.

For Bookings: Nikki@NikkiWalkerPR.net

How did you start out your writing career?

At the age of 21 I launched my own publishing company, Delphine Publications by publishing my own book The Ultimate NO NO. I went on from that book and landed a major book deal without an agent all the while publishing other authors and continuing to write independently.

What did you learn while writing this book?

When writing my current book, Kisses Don't Lie, I discovered the balance between my craft and the business. I learned to maintain both and write daily to ensure I can have a project out on time.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope to have a cross over audience and build a brand that's outside of the book world. I want to gain readers who wouldn't normally pick up a romance novel. I want to open up many doors for other writers to come up behind me and be even more successful.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

The plot came first. I knew that I wanted my characters to develop from a young age to only fall apart as time passed by. We all have that first love but we grow up and then we forget about that love as if it never happened.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

That I would have a love/hate for this book world. It can be tiresome but I don't see myself doing anything else. I see that there are clicks, and bully's and gossipers and try to overlook the negativity. But when I get a message from a reader stating they loved my work it makes all the heartache worth it.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I love writing drama and I love writing about being in love. Although love isn't perfect so when I write about the heartaches my characters go through it's all coming from a real place. No love is perfect so I will never have a perfect love story.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

Where to travel, who to socialize with, and how to develop a book/media tour

Can you give us one do and one don't for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do not get involved in clicks with authors who promote and socialize to each other, expand your brand and your reach. Lastly to be consistent in this industry, if you quit you will never make it.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

At events I am often approached by readers or supporters that they wish to write a book, but one thing about writing is that this is a God given talent. Not just any one can write and develop a story.

Tell us something few know about you?

I am anti-social by nature. I love to be at home and be alone. But since coming into this industry I had to develop a personality and become personable.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to just watch tv and lay around the house. Nothing major the downtime I get is worth every minute.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I am active on my social networks on twitter @TamikaNewhouse and Facebook at facebook.com/tamikanewhouse I am also available by email at aambookclub@gmail.com

Our theme for this issue is Resources On The Net. What resources on the net have been helpful in your writing?

I follow a lot in the entertainment world and ENT. Publicist. Following them helps me develop new ways on exposing myself to a broader audience.

Who was the first author you ever met?

That is a tuffy I believe it was several independent writers at an event I was also attending. But my biggest and most proud moment was meeting Eric Jerome Dickey, his books I fell in love with growing up.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

I know that I am obsessive and that I want to succeed. I know that I would die trying before I give up.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

I take you into the lives of Kyla and Brittany Howard as they struggle with an old flame and a new found love. Each sister is faced with hard decisions that can either break their hearts or finally give them happiness. One deals with letting go of her first love and the other deals with an unwanted child. Some of their hardest decisions are made on a whelm. Drama and more will cover the pages of Kisses Don't Lie.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

I am active on my social networks on twitter @TamikaNewhouse and Facebook at facebook.com/tamikanewhouse I am also available by email at aambookclub@gmail.com

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Khadesia
Hill’s life could not be better. She is the wife of the debonair
Assistant Pastor, Malcolm Hill, youngest son and first choice to succeed
his father as pastor of the mega church, Solid Rock Christian
Ministries. Obedience to the Lord led her to California twelve years
earlier where she later met, married Malcolm, and gave birth to their
daughter.

Her world shatters when a detective shows up at her business one
day. He claims to have evidence that could possibly link her to an
ex-boyfriend’s murder in her home town. Secrets about her past unfold
and cast shadows over her pure reputation in the church and with
Malcolm’s family. When the news is revealed, Malcolm’s older brother
Corbin and his wife Stacie step up efforts to win Corbin his father’s
seat as the next pastor. While Khadesia fights to clear her name,
Stacie’s friend Maxie, who has a long-time attraction to Malcolm, tries
to sway his attention her way. Will Khadesia and Malcolm remain
steadfast in faith through the crises in their marriage?

Patrica
A. Bridewell is a native of Los Angeles, California. Her first
Christian Fiction novel, “Reflections of a Quiet Storm,” was released in
2009. She is a contributing writer to the anthologies, Gumbo for the
Soul – Women of Honor: Pink Edition, and Keeping the Faith. Her work has
also been published in the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, Advance for
Nurses Magazine, and multiple online magazines. She is a member of the
American Christian Fiction Writers, the Hurston/Wright Foundation, and
International Black Writers and Artists – Los Angeles. Patricia is a
full-time nursing professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine
and Science. She is a long-time member of West Angeles Church of God in
Christ in Los Angeles. She is currently working on her second novel. Patricia is a mom, grandmother, an avid reader, and loves music.

A
native of Kansas City, Missouri, Faatima Albasir-Johnson’s creative
mind began at a young age. It came as no surprise that her creativity
transitioned into the literary world. Her years of experience as a
photo lab manager and event and party planner were a catalyst to
writing. She often wrote journal notes, poetry, and developed ideas for
party invitations and/or programs for events. Over the years, her
interest in writing peaked, which ultimately led to an idea to co-author
the highly anticipated Christian Fiction novel “A Generation of
Curses.” The book is scheduled for release by NCM Publishing in 2012.Faatima is a devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family

Get to Know the Authors:

What motivated you to start writing and how long have you been writing?

PAB: I didn’t have a plan to become a writer, so
I have to say that was God-inspired. I started journaling 7 years ago
during a time of crisis, and from those notes I started writing my first
book.

FAJ: My motivation came from my previous work and a desire to make a difference.

What process do you use to create a good storyline?

PAB:
When an idea strikes, the first thing I do is jot down notes—character
names, personalities, appearance, potential plot ideas−everything that
comes to mind. From there the story begins. I may start out with a
short outline, but I use a lot of notes .

FAJ: I do free-flow writing. Whenever I get a good idea for a chapter, I write down what I want to say and build on that.

Was your first book self-published, published by a small press or major publisher?

PAB: My first book was published by an independent publisher.

FAJ: My first book will be published by independent publisher NCM Publishing

Tell your readers a little about the main characters in your next book “A Generation of Curses.”

PAB: Khadesia Hill is a wife, business woman,
and pastor’s wife. She becomes caught in a cross between doing what is
right by telling her husband Malcolm about her past , which she knows
will hurt him and possibly destroy their marriage, or doing the wrong
thing and continuing to conceal that information. The story revolves
around the challenges they encounter when a detective shows up at
Khadesia’s job. He discloses that an old case regarding an
ex-boyfriend’s death has now been reopened, and she is the prime
suspect. FAJ: Khadesia’s problem causes
conflict with her husband and a host of others in her life. Malcolm also
experiences problems as things spiral out of control. The story will
keep readers on the edge of their seats as they enter the lives of two
people who love each other, but face problems that only faith in God can
resolve.Do any of your characters depict your real life experiences or are they strictly fictional?

PAB:
Yes, I have created characters that were similar to me and some of my
experiences. However, many ideas for characters either come from my own
image of how I envision them as I write or from people that I’ve met in
the past. FAJ: Yes and no. Some of the
characters have some of my real life experiences, but not all of them.
Many of my ideas are strictly fictional. I might take experiences that I
have seen others go through and change or develop another idea from
their experiences. Or I just create new ideas.What do you like best about being an author?

PAB:
For me writing is a ministry. I feel blessed for the gift of being
able to write stories that will provide enjoyment as well as
encouragement and inspiration for my readers. About six months ago, a
reader emailed me and thanked me for my short story “On My Way to Where
I’ve Never Been,” which was part of Christian Fiction author Vanessa
Miller’s Keeping the Faith anthology. She wrote about a full page
testimony on how she was touched by my story. I was in tears by the
time I finished. But, this is why I right.FAJ: The excitement of being able to
connect with readers through my writing. I’m a newbie, but I am learning
so much and I feel blessed for the opportunity. I hope to travel this
road for many years and write many more books.What advice would you give aspiring writers?

PAB:
My best advice is learn the craft of writing, learn the publishing
industry, and learn them well. Research cannot be emphasized enough. I
still research and I consistently strive to improve my writing skills
and enhance my knowledge about publishing. Find a good editor. And DO
NOT submit your work before you have it professionally edited. I have
found that networking with new and veteran authors, attending
conferences, and writing groups have been particularly helpful for me.FAJ: Network with other writers,
develop relationships with book clubs, and study the craft of writing.
These tools have helped me become a better writer. Contact the Author: bridern@verizon.net
Twitter.com - PABridewell
Facebook.com – Patricia Ann Bridewell

Little
does she know, Candace's quest to find the truth has led her straight
to the killer. She's already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to
completely trust God with her own life.

Coming to bookstores in February 2012

Pre-order yours TODAY

MEET THE AUTHOR

Tyora
Moody is an author and entrepreneur. Her debut novel, When Rain Falls,
will be released March 2012 (Urban Christian/Kensington). Tyora writes
romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in
Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers. She owns and operates TywebbinCreations.com, a design and marketing company.

"What's
going on?" Candace Johnson sat up in the bed and waited. Either the
cellular company had dropped the call or her friend was on the line,
probably twirling a lock of hair, her mind elsewhere. She fired off,
"Pamela, are you still there?"

Tomorrow.
"You're kidding me, right?" Nothing rattled Pamela Coleman, but only a
few minutes ago Pamela had called with a shaky voice, saying, "We have
to talk." There was no way Pamela could leave the conversation hanging
until the morning.

"I'm tired, Candace. To be quite honest, I may not be thinking straight."

Candace
pulled the covers up closer to her body. It wasn't unusual for them to
talk until the wee hours of the morning, but she knew not to push her
friend. "Where are you, anyway? Are you still at the art gallery
reception this late?"

"No, I'm on my way home."

"All
right, girlfriend. I hope you get a good night's sleep. There will be
no excuses tomorrow. I expect you to spill everything."

"I hope I can. You get some sleep, too."

The dial tone buzzed in her ear for a few seconds before she hung up the cordless phone. Sleep. That's a joke.

Out
of habit, Candace slipped out of the bed and walked over to the window.
She lifted one of the blind slats to peer out onto the street. It had
been over a year and a half since the police department had provided
protection for her family during the night. Now it seemed the police no
longer cared. Other cases took priority, she guessed. Maybe it was all
her imagination, overcome by grief and loss.

Rain
pelted the roof and windows. The kind of rain that could coax a person
into a deep, restful sleep. Candace wished. A full night's sleep had
become a lost luxury, but she would try to close her eyes. As she
climbed under her favorite quilt, uneasiness settled over her mind.
Again. Another long night awaited her.

She
could blame her sleeplessness on the late-night pizza session with the
kids, but she knew better. Even Pamela's ominous call didn't help
matters. It was the past that kept her staring at the ceiling, walking
beside her like a maddening visitor, just hanging around, with no signs
of departure.

Stealing her sleep, her peace.

She
gripped the quilt, hugging it close to her body. Her aunt always said,
"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Candace didn't care
about being strong. She wanted answers.

She
stared into the darkness, beyond the clock, to where the glow
illuminated a man's features. The photo was barely visible, but Candace
had it memorized. In her mind, she could see Detective Frank Johnson
dressed in his uniform. Though his smile was serious, his deep dimples
still made an appearance.

Almost seventeen years of marriage. Her protector.

Seemed
like everyone these days told her the same thing. "Frank would've
wanted you to move on." How could she? Her Frank believed in justice. In
the end, her husband received none. That haunted her.

She
did need to get herself together. Her children had been through enough.
She didn't need Rachel and Daniel worrying about their mother. More
than anything she wanted them to enjoy their youth. She didn't want them
to experience the pain she struggled through at their age from losing a
parent.

So Candace meditated on the rain, willing her eyes to grow heavy.

Mama!

Her
eyes flew open, and then she smacked the pillow. Even as she resolved
to put the familiar memory out of her mind, questions lingered. Why now?

Almost
thirty years had passed since that night. It seemed like every now and
then Mama decided to visit her in a dream. Images of the beautiful,
troubled woman who birthed her often were like a bittersweet reunion.
But sometimes he would show up, too.

Candace
was no longer afraid of him. She'd made sure to track down his
whereabouts after Frank's death just to be sure her childhood bogeyman
had not returned. She knew he wasn't a threat to her anymore.

Still,
she knew sleep would not come tonight. She refused to close her eyes.
Like that night long ago, it felt like God had stopped by to shake her
around like one of those snow globes.

Where would the pieces of her life fall like those flakes? Candace wasn't sure she wanted to know.

Candace focused her thoughts on the earlier phone call. Pamela, what do you have to tell me tomorrow?

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